Here it is: 2026 Cape Epic Route Breakdown
The 2026 Absa Cape Epic isn’t for the faint-hearted.
Covering 692km with a wicked 15,900 metres of climbing, it’s set to be the ultimate test of endurance, grit and equipment. The route rips from the fast, dusty trails of Meerendal Wine Estate through the wild backcountry of Montagu, across the rugged passes of Greyton, and into Stellenbosch for an epic Grand Finale. Every stage brings pain and riders will need to dig deep. Here’s a rundown of it all.
Prologue | 15 March 2026
Nerves are, more often than not, the biggest hurdle of the Prologue. However, at Meerendal, the pace will be fierce after a calm start allows for the rapid finding of rhythm. The Stairway to Heaven Climb leads to the unforgiving pitches of Dorstberg, where fans and supporters will line the trails, their cheers echoing across the lands.
It will be easy to get carried away on the Prologue and venture into the red. But remember, no team has ever won the Epic on Prologue day. If smarts are applied, the opening 20 kilometres of the race can kickstart the momentum that will be so necessary for success.
Stage 1 | 16 March 2026
It has been nearly two decades since the Epic last ventured into the dry lands of Montagu. Inhospitable but beautiful, Montagu is set to reignite traditions of yesteryear and spark memories of glories past.
Stage 1 will be a roller coaster through the Klein Karoo that trends upward just as much as it does down. The main protagonists of the race will likely find themselves together until the Dead Man’s descent separates those who are willing to risk short term gain with long term success. An arduous set of climbs and descents follow, driving home the fatigue under the burning African sun. On an opening stage like this, anyone who arrived sans form will be left wanting and with an extremely long week ahead.
Stage 2 | 17 March 2026
Long and unrelenting, Stage 2 asks questions that build on those asked in Stage 1. The climbing begins immediately, and cold legs will ache all the way to the summit of Ouberg Pass. At the top, a long ridgeline stretches out as far as the eye can see, though if the wheel ahead is dropped, the teams ahead may disappear out of sight, out of mind, and out of reach.
The descent of Slagkloof is tough but leads to the welcome respite of African Game Lodge. But still, the Karoo is unforgiving, unpredictable and a moment too long spent enjoying the views could prove race ending. The final third of the stage offers little relief, especially if the sun blazes and the winds rip. Stage 2 is a test of patience, endurance, and resolve.
Stage 3 | 18 March 2026
Stage 3 of the Absa Cape Epic will be an ode to the past. A long day across open roads. A stage that will have the Amabubesi members who last raced here smiling. The racing will start fast, bidding farewell to Montagu and heading through the iconic Cogmanskloof Pass. Here, partnerships will be key, between teammates and teams, working together in an embodiment of the ethos of this magical race.
The small town of Bonnievale will welcome the courageous as they cross the Breerivier, before the test of Drecaso threatens to break the day apart. Teams will need grit, focus and determination with more than half the journey still ahead. Open roads stretch ahead with unsurpassed views of vineyards and orchards, and the Langeberg Mountains on the horizon. A brief, ironic pass through Riviersonderend reminds riders how long this stage really is, before a gradual trek leads to Greyton.
Stage 4 | 19 March 2026
Though short on distance, Stage 4 will by no means be short of demand. The battleworn trails surrounding Greyton and Genadendal are characterised by energy sapping climbs and rolling descents that offer no real respite.
After a relatively flat first quarter, the action begins and every turn will offer a choice: risk and reward, or safe and steady. A line taken too boldly over a moment of caution may result in immediate consequence. The final quarter of the stage looms heavy in the distance as the UFO climb and its infamous ramps are part and parcel of MTB legend in the region. Teams who overcome burning lungs and legs will have no time to rejoice as the Toyota Tough section arrives immediately after on the descent to Middelplaas. With the end in sight, will this be the time to roll the dice and hope for glory — or not? Choose wisely.
Stage 5 | 20 March 2026
Stage 5 rules over the Absa Cape Epic with an iron fist. It is, without doubt, one of the biggest, meanest stages that the race has seen in years and the numbers alone tell a story of extreme distance, massive elevation, and relentless trials from Greyton to Stellenbosch.
The race leaves Greyton with its sights set on Botrivier. Once reached, KatPas stands guard of the Cape Floral Kingdom in Grabouw. Here, trails abound before the portage down the historic Gantouw Pass tests minds and legs alike. The descent will lull teams into a false sense of security, but all they need to do to remind themselves that they’re in the Absa Cape Epic and to cast their eyes across the Helderberg basin to the wall that is the Lourensford Nek. And then begin the grind to the top. When over the Nek, a taste of what’s to come in the final two stages will cap off an epic day and guarantee a good night’s sleep for those who make it to the new race village intact.
Stage 6 | 21 March 2026
The penultimate stage of the Epic will be day where the start line feels like a lifetime ago and the finish line feels within reach – this is, arguably, the biggest mental hurdle of the week.
Stellenbosch, the home of mountain biking in South Africa, presents a route that is tailored to the strengths of the cross-country specialists; offering them the opportunity to claw back time on marathon specialists, or drive home their lead. Strong legs will be vital from the gun as the climbing begins almost immediately up Botmaskop. Banhoek Berms, Nick Naks, Klipwerf and Old Rocky follow. The sawtooth profile relents lightly for a few kilometres near halfway before relaunching itself up and down through famed trails like Porcupine, Inferno and through Idas Valley before a check-in with The Doctor and a descent back to Coetzenburg. This is the stage for the racers and the trail lovers.
Stage 7 | 22 March 2026
By this stage, teams will be begging for an easy day. But at the Absa Cape Epic, nothing comes easy. The Grand Finale will be no pleasure cruise to the finish line, rather it’s a concluding demand for fatigued minds and aching bodies.
But hand in hand with the demands come the pleasures of the Jonkershoek trail network, where the trail builders wear the dirt on their shirts like badges of honour. The trails will be lined with hundreds of spectators chanting teams onwards, from the very front of the field to the very back. For the racers, the trail-laden route will make it tough to pull away. If the title is up for grabs this late in the day, there’s no telling what will happen. If the Jersey wearers start the Grand Finale with a healthy gap, then the title is theirs to lose. Either way, a thrilling Finale waits for the teams hailing from over 50 countries. //